[RNnTraining1973]

funny none of the redheads have anecdotal information to support these claims of increased bleeding and lower pain tolerance....

Actually, I've been told by dentists all my life that I require a lot more novacaine to get numb than any of their other patients. I didn't see why and then I read the studies a few years back. I'm not sure if this the same thing as pain tolerance (I don't think so) but apparently, they have found evidence that redheads do require more anesthesia than people with other hair colors. I don't think this is saying we don't handle pain better or worse than someone else. In fact, I'm a big baby when it comes to stupid injuries like stubbing my toe yet have no problem getting pierced in painful places, tattoos in private places, and almost killing myself on the halfpipe when snowboarding!! But I think what the studies were saying is that it takes more anesthetic to be effective in redheads than someone with brown or blonde hair.

The bleeding thing is interesting. I will have to remember that when I decide to get pregnant. I never noticed myself bleeding any more than anyone else, but that was from small injuries, cuts, piercings, etc. I do have absolutely excruciating cramps each month....to the point where my doctor has prescribed Lortab for them. I take half a pill twice a day for a day out of the month to control them. I'm going to have to find another method of dealing with the cramps though because once I'm an RN, I can't go to work after taking these. I have asked about things such as endometriosis and he doesn't think that's the problem. Turns out I have very high prostaglandin levels during that time and it causes all kinds of severe cramping. I've tried every single over the counter pain reliever there is and they don't work. I have prescription strength Motrin...doesn't work. I have gone on many different pills trying to find relief..none work. I went on Depo...that worked, but made me INSANE!!! In fact, my doctor refuses to give it to me because of the mood swings I ended up having with it. Sigh......he says that there is a good chance after I have a baby, they will subside quite a bit. I guess we'll just have to wait and see..........

[taoist]

strawberry blonde here...

I've had two ~9 lb babies naturally, no drugs, and the pain wasn't too bad at all... no problem with bleeding either...

[L&D_RN_OH]

I've heard docs tell redheads over and over again about the increased bleeding issue. My CNM with my first son insisted I have a saline lock for that reason. With my second child, I mentioned it to my doc, he just laughed.

I did have slightly more bleeding after 2 deliveries but nothing more than fundal massage was required. And with my third, I didn't have an IV or Pit after delivery.

I have yet to see a redhead with a PP hemorrhage.

[mother/babyRN]

The doc can laugh all he wants but those of us who have been in the business awhile can tell you for certain that the liklihood of bleeding does increase with fair or red headed people....I don't care WHAT the science shows..Been there done that see it often enough to know that it's true..Sort of like "knowing" a patient is going to go fast by the feel of her cervix.....You just know..